WASHINGTON—The U.S. economy added 223,000 new jobs in April, a return to solid growth likely to ease fears of a significant spring slowdown. The jobless rate dropped to 5.4 percent, the lowest level since May 2008.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. economy added a robust 288,000 new jobs last month—the fifth straight month in which the United States has added more than 200,000 jobs. The unemployment rate now stands at 6.1 percent, the lowest since September 2008.

WASHINGTON—Manufacturing grew in February at the fastest pace in 20 months, according to a report Friday from the Institute for Supply Management. And a survey from the University of Michigan showed that consumer sentiment rose last month to its highest level since November.